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Tony Levin on Robert Fripp's Photo Policy
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- Опубліковано 17 сер 2024
- King Crimson's photo policy is notorious. Before every concert, they post signs on the stage that say:
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen
Welcome to the show
Now that you are in the venue please
refrain from taking any pictures
using a camera or your phone
until the very end of the show
or you may be asked to leave
thank you..."
Yet, Tony Levin (King Crimson's bassist) has taken photos from the stage for 40 years. How - and why - has the photo policy changed over the years?
Here's Tony's response.
Check out Tony's new print collection at tonylevinprint...
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Lol Fuck King Crimson. Kick people out for a picture?? Fuck those losers!
Would you take a photo at a symphony orchestra? I mean, obviously YOU would, but would a respectful, music-loving person take one? ;)
@@MakeWeirdMusic is King Crimson an orchestra? Lol. We should ban lighters too right? If a musician can't play in front of an audience because of lights lol then perhaps they should disappear into the dustbin of history. Sorry you don't like my take but I guarantee you're in the minority.
This whole channel is about being in the minority.
And who cares if anyone disappears into the dustbin of history? Do you think these guys are chasing a legacy?
@@MakeWeirdMusic maybe check out Beato sometime and what he has to say about Artists that can't get with the times. They disappear. But he must not be a real music fan either. BTW nowhere did I imply recording an entire concert and obstructing anyone's view. Absolutely nothing wrong with a keepsake of the event. You must hate Woodstock and Monterey Pop.
May we all someday have the self-confidence of Brent Noury.
Tony is one of the nicest most humble musicians. He was kind enough to play on one of my songs. I am thankful for Tony Levin!
Me too, James
It would be good to hear your song - is that possible?
???????
For me, the no-photo policy resulted in a glaring black mark on an otherwise great concert experience.
I flew to another city, alone, to see King Crimson, an opportunity I honestly never thought I would have as a kid growing up listening to their music. I took days off work, paid a lot of money for travel an a ticket, concert shirt, the whole 9 yards--cashing in on what may be a once in a lifetime experience.
So, towards the end of the opening half of the show, Epitaph is playing. One of my favourite songs. I fold my hands in my lap, bow my head, close my eyes, clear my mind and let the sound and all it evokes fill the swirling ether behind my eyes. As impressions flood my mind, I am taken back to the places where I had heard to this music so many times before and feel the emotions passing through me, sadness, happiness--in short it is like a meditative experience. I know that many reading have had similar moments.
My reverie is brought to an abrupt halt when a shrill voice coming from directly in front of my face cuts through the music.
"EXCUSE ME", the voice barks.
"EXCUSE ME" the voice entreats again but louder, and I open my eyes and find it belongs to a woman in a fluorescent yellow security shirt. I look at her, perplexed and she asks "YOU'RE NOT RECORDING ON YOUR PHONE ARE YOU?"
"NO!" I answer, bewildered and somewhat agitated.
Needless to say that the spell the music had cast was absolutely shattered. My posture must have appeared like that of someone using their phone...
The security guard retreated, presumably to harass other concert-goers. I was shocked. I saw the signs posted asking not to take pictures and I abided. I did not take one photo that night. Was the security really asked to enforce the policy to such a wanton degree that anyone looking at their lap would be targeted and questioned? Was this just the action of one poorly trained and overzealous security guard? These are questions which I should not have to ponder, having done nothing to contravene the policy.
So in my case, this policy designed to protect the integrity of the concert-going experience had the polar opposite effect. While I continued to enjoy the concert, this small incident really left a bad taste in my mouth and when I look back on the concert it sticks out sharply. This may seem like a small grievance, but when you spend a lot of money and make such an effort to hear this music, with which you have such a strong connection, only to have your experience shattered by an outsider who doesn't even care about the music at the behest of the creator, it sticks with you.
I still love King Crimson and would go see them again if given the opportunity. As a warning for you reading this, if you go to see KC and want to be left in peace, pick a seat somewhere in the middle of the row so security can't get to you!
Thanks for reading. Peace.
that isn't the band, that is the security and its venue based. kc are not touring with a crowd of security, they do what all bands do, they use the ones supplied by the venue. whoever that was had an ego trip.
I pay big bucks to see KC in the most expensive seats they offer. Always vip section. Die hard KC fans area.. They won't talk. They respect the rules. No photos etc. This is the only way to enjoy the show.
I was a KC fan since I was a teen, but I only got to see them live in my late 30s when they played in Toronto 2015. Roberto Douchie Frippie abruptly ended the show and walked from the stage because someone tried taking a picture. That was one person, one picture, and it all happened in one second, yet the entire audience of thousands of people had to go home without seeing the end of the show, even after paying the big bucks. Who did the most damage, the fan or the ungrateful artist? A bit extreme in my opinion and far from being an enjoyable experience. I still could listen to KC on records from time to time, but I would never again risk going to one of their shows. Roberto Diva Flips does not seem to understand in what business he is in, he claims to be one of the finest musicians on earth (which by the way, he is not) but he does not understands that at the end of the day he is supposed to be an entertainer and not a dictator. If I pay to see you, you play, simple as that.
Such an irony you now see that clown on UA-cam with his sloootie wife doind stupid things in an effort to be funny (again, he is not a funny man, period). Is clear the man is now senile and somehow is trying to correct his past behavior, unfortunately is way too late.
@@yoserbmon6827 Robert claims to be an excellent guitarist, which he is, and claims to be a poor musician. I have heard him say as much. He has never claimed to be one of the finest musicians on earth, or any such nonsense.
What a class act, and what a career! Tony Levin is the man geniuses ask for by name. As for Fripp forbidding photography, I think it's only fair, even if most other artists don't mind. He does, and is politely asking the audience to respect that. So they should. When I saw the Seven-Headed Beast, they had instituted the post-encore free-for-all photo-sesh, so I got my picture taken by Tony, and I snapped a quick pic of the stage as a keepsake. So did most of the audience, it seemed. But instead of an ongoing distraction throughout the show, it became sort of a shared ritual to mark the end of the evening.
Agreed. Thanks for watching, Bruno.
Great points from Papa Bear on how how an ocean of cell phone screens subtract from the concert experience for fellow concert goers. I have seen this iteration of Crimson live three times. All the experiences benefitted immensely from Fripp's no pic policy. And Tony's expertise has delivered some incredible shots in recent years, the Pompeii show in particular comes to mind.
Loved his answers. Thanks for watching, Jeff.
I agree with Fripp on the no photography idea. An audience will benefit from going deeper into trance, living into the sound, to have a memorable experience.
Society is obsessed with taking cellphone pictures during ANY event. However, Fripp has prohibited all photography since I first saw him at the Kitchen in1976. Those were the days when color film cost more than black and white and flash was the only way to light the artist.
That's my wife, but that's not my apartment.
this guy is such a gentleman , i met him once and breifly spoke ,i wish we had more time as he is so interesting and he started talking about cern !
Masonry.
Had the pleasure of speaking with him a few years ago. Seems to be a very warm, gracious, genuine person. Seemed genuinely tickled that I’d seen him with Adrian & Pat (who were performing with him that night) with the King Crimson Thrak-era King Crimson. Would love to have time to sit & chat with him for an hour or two.
Love Tony's insight on camera's over the years, how the "sea of screens" can really diminish the enjoyment of live music. What an incredibly thoughtful person, on so many subjects.
Agreed, Chris.
I've seen Crimson many times and the no photo thing is wonderful. The band issues loads of live recordings of recent gigs and it's great just to focus on the music without some selfish **** spoiling the moment. Why can't people just listen to the music.
Because why the fuck not? Fucking cry babies.
A fan is selfish for wanting to take a picture of their favorite band and share it with everyone. Whereas, the band is not selfish for maintaining exclusive rights over the photography at their concerts and wanting to sell the photos and videos. You've got it exactly backwards. It is the fans who expect the concert to be tailored to their personal preference who are selfish. The guy videoing the concert with the iphone doesn't give a shit whether you video the concert or not. Whereas the guy complaining about people filming with the iphone as a distraction, is actually watching the iphone videographers instead of the concert. If the band is that good, as King Crimson is, no amount of photography by the fans is ridiculous, as they pay for their living.
@Donald Anderson .. because not everyone is so fkn lucky like you are !! .... imagine you were born and live in Southamerica and after ¡¡¡ 42 years waiting !!! , K.CRIMSON finally decided to visit your shitty country .... that's for sure the ONLY fkn time you will see them live ....
@@ggvbeer4339 What does that have to do with taking photos when you know they don't want you to?
Years ago I had the privilege of meeting and chatting with R Fripp at 2 Frippertronics concerts for WXPN in Phila, that where held in a small music room. He hung out in the hall way before the concert, no photos or autographs, but he was very nice and open to talk with. He started the show by explaining and demoed the FT setup, reel to reels. During the show, after a song or two, he announced that this is the question and answer portion. Everyone just sat and stared at him, so I blurted out, Mr Fripp what does your pedal board and effects consist of. He went into great detail about his equipment and un plugged and handed me his volume pedal, for me and others to inspect. It had no makers name, he said he had it since KK days. I was very lucky to sit in the first row, a few feet away from him, at times, I could actually hear the notes he picked on his LP Black Beauty, before he let up on the volume pedal. At another time in the show he asked for someone to shout out a key, that he would play in. Someone yelled E minor, to which he smiled and said that's my favorite, then he wailed away on his Les Paul, with its incredible tone, seated like a mushroom. A really cool and intimate show, much dif than the many KK shows I have attended.
Amazing. Wish I coulda experienced that, but my dad has told me lots of similar stories from NYC. Thanks, Michael!
It changed so much over the years from taking a blurry photo, to now holding up a phone filming the entire concert. very distracting all phones in the air. I can understand why people do it, to keep the experience, but you end up taking away from the experience when you trying to film the concert. The best solution is when bands sell the concert immediately when you leave you have the experience, listen to it at home. And actually soak in the live experience when you are there. We are in a luxury age now, where it is so easy to see live concert footage. I've seen Tony over the years in various KC arrangements :)
it's just bands trying to maximize the monitised value of their work by creating a scarcity of supply. in other words, work less get paid more. the audience becomes sucked into the myth there is nothing else out there. dont buy into that- a whole exciting world does exist, many in fact- just that one must go out there with an open mind and find it.
It doesn't "keep the experience" in any way. It takes away their ability to even experience the concert in the first place.
@@princeofcupspoc9073 Yes, if you read the next couple of words I said exactly that. "you end up taking away from the experience when you trying to film the concert"
The people who he said were complaining that Tony was taking photos, so why can't they take photos? These are the jackasses that we all hate at a concert.
Tony should be able to take a photo whenever he wants, the audience shouldn't
100% agreed.
Agreed. The public are just snapping, Tony is documenting.
Although I have never seen King Crimson in concert, I have always appreciated Fripp’s hard line on photos during the concert. There is nothing worse than a sea of amateurs photographers watching the show through an electronic gadget and hogging the stage that just takes me out of an experience that I paid a lot of money for. One photo of the band after the show for memory’s sake is just fine for me.
There's nothing worse than douchebag musicians that have passed their time on earth!!
What is worse than a sea of amateurs is a select few professionals making loads of money off of monopoly power. Your lot of money you paid to see the concert experience, that you are taken out of by distractions is called hypnosis. If the band isn't allowed to hypnotize you with the music, and you keep coming out of the trance they are painting in your mind, you won't pay to see them again. It is direct marketing technique to ban photography at an event. People complaining about the photography ruining the event are watching the photographers, not the band.
I've been to concerts where it was continous camera shooting by well over 10% of the crowd for the entire concert, and not a single person of over 20,000 people complain. I've also seen shows with as little as 50 people with friends and family members parading around the entire concert taking pictures, and still nobody complains as long as the music is good.
Concentrate on the music. If you want no photography at venue, ban the professionals also.
Hope you get to see them sometime. Amazing, jaw-dropping musicianship. I play drums, guitar & bass & every person who ever played with KC or Robert Fripp is first-rate. That they can perform music of this complexity live without f***ng it up is astounding.
My God, man! You simply must go. The experience will blow you away. The albums are great, of course. But King Crimson is MEANT to experience live. They'll rip out your brain, scrub it clean, and put it back enlightened and fulfilled. Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go.....Gotta go. Go! Did I say go? lol
@@williamb.greenman3670 - 😂 trust me, I would love to go see this band in concert, although truth be told I would’ve preferred the glory years of the ProjeKcts to have seen them, but I don’t think they have performed any closer than 800 miles from my home 😂
I've been listening to Tony play for 40 years and this is the first time I have ever heard him speak.
Yeah he hasn’t gotten a lot of press and he doesn’t like the spotlight, it seems.
Same here!
Tony is such a treasure. Articulate and insightful.
Agreed, Kennethh
This brings to mind a Jeff Beck concert I attended many years ago. The crowd was very respectful and focused on enjoying the performance. A bunch of screaming and I phones waving around would have really detracted from the experience.
Exactly, Keith.
I had the immense pleasure of meeting and chatting with Tony Levin before a California Guitar Trio concert in Houston back in 2003. We took pictures (before selfies) and talked music.
In 2016 when Tony was in Peter Gabriel's band touring with Sting, he was taking pictures and Sting asked him politely not to, but nothing else.
Such a true gentleman and a very accomplished musician through the decades, my respects Mr. Levin.
I wasn't aware of the Sting story. That's cool. Glad you had that encounter with him!
Tony is a really graceful performer, the way he stands on stage. Always thought so.
Well, that’s one way to respond to this comment.
Just attended a Pat Metheny concert last night and they did their best to request a strict no phone/ photo/video policy. From what I could see people were respectful of that and I appreciated that lack of distraction. I felt it contributed to the overall experience of coming together to focus on the music and stay as present in the moment as the musicians who themselves are needing that to improvise and create.
That’s cool!
that's great, all artists should do this.
Totally agree... but I still could not resist taking a photo of Pat, last year, to diary on Instagram.
I don’t think any of us truly grasp the level of change that has resulted from the kind of device I’m currently using to “write” this right now. Fripp and Crimson (in my opinion) have long been keen observers of reality and reflected back aspects of life that take mindful experiencing to adequately process, and Robert’s policy on photos is a perfect reflection of how to cultivate that mindfulness. I try to take this approach into every concert I attend, and I thank him for the push.
Agreed. Monumental shift in cultural behaviors. Good comment, Neil.
Great Photography …Tony I Love Your work ❤🙏🏻🎸📷 Awesome 😎 Thank You ....for so many years of Music and Photography .
It's wonderful to see how you have established these relationships with so many amazing musicians.
Aw, shucks. Thanks Roy.
Tony is such a good speaker....I totally understand where he is coming from. KC...the best....KC at the Royal Albert Hall.....awesome!
Thanks, John. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Passion of the moment, that’s why no pictures ! It changes the moment!
If anyone knows the passion of a moment, it's the Poo Ninja.
@@MakeWeirdMusic so many moments
I’ve seen KC 10x and taped every show. No regrets , I remember the concerts and have my own personal souvenir. No flash, no lights, no video screen.
Well, I guess if you can get away with it, it's okay?
@@MakeWeirdMusic I kinda get the feeling by "taped" they meant it as a metaphor, like watching the show and absorbing it that way is "taping". I could be wrong though lol they very well could've taped it either audio wise or whatever
What sold me on the non-photo/video policy was when Fripp said “why would anyone want to experience an event through a cellphone screen?”. I used to think i would be able to save a wonderful song on my phone to share with others. but after the show all i saw were imperfections in either my video or the music. If i had been attentive those notes i would later call bad would have been just accepted as part of the event and i wouldn’t feel like i somehow missed the whole thing.
The other problem is behavior scaling. Is one or two photos a big problem? No, probably not.
In a venue of 5,000 people all taking, on average, more than one or two? Yes, I think so.
Good comment, Dominic.
Nothing is more distracting to the audience or the performers than a sea of cell phones recording a moment that anyone with a good memory should be able to cherish, it is sad to think people are so interested in THEIR moment that they would ruin it for others through being selfish.
And more power to Robert for this stance as it means the audience is told why the band wishes to project into the space in front of them.
This is a GREAT piece about being present in the moment versus consuming the moment... Levin nicely illuminates the differences between being an active participant, an active observer and a passive consumer... and how those lines have been blurred
Thanks for “getting it” Andrew
The Seven Headed Beast did a fantastic performance in Milwaukee a couple of months ago. Thanks for gracing us with your talents (the Zappa band openers were tremendous too).
YES! Saw that lineup in Detroit in August. Great evening of music.
Saw them in Cleveland, an absolutely mind-bending show
Tony is superb.
Audience members can be just as artistic with their photos.
I just love interviews like this, and with the legendary Tony Levin… we’ll that’s just the icing on the cake.
Thank you Tony for your life-long devotion to music, it’s kept me sane and I wish you well with your photography.❤️🇷🇴🇬🇧👍🏻
Thanks so much for watching. Make sure you watch the first part, too.
What a great video. Great insight on this subject lol, I always love seeing that sign on stage because they capitalize Every First Letter Of Every Word on it. Also, love, love that bass with the Three of a Perfect Pair symbol.
LOL! Yes! I Didn't Realize That Until I Typed Out The Whole Sign And I Thought People Would Think I Was Drunk Or High.
Keith Jarret is another artist who despises photos at shows. Once at Carnegie Hall he said, ‘I don’t remember telling my Mother that I wanted to have my picture taken when I grow up.’
Haha that's a good line. Thanks for sharing, Jeff!
I’d like to thank the fellow who took those pics of Giles Giles and Fripp lp covers, that’s the Fripp I will always love, especially if’s he’s making silly faces, afraid we all lose our sense of humor, the older we git.
I love those old photos, too. Thanks David.
Excellent questions from the interviewer--which I've wondered about myself--and Tony does a superb job of explaining the policy while indicating an understanding of the fans' perspective. I've met Tony Levin twice and he is an absolute gentleman who has no problem with people taking pics when he's with other artists (Peter Gabriel, Liquid Tension Experiment, Stick Men and The Tony Levin Band). And he will stay for hours after a show making sure that everyone who wants a picture or an autograph is taken care of.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Andrew. I appreciate the kind words.
Tony is great and very down to earth.
His brother Peter is also nice and very talented composer/ cellist.
They look like twins.
Tony is awesome
I've discovered your channel and it's what i like! Making weird music and visuals!
Glad you enjoy it!
such a thoughtful and intelligent interview. tony is a treasure.
Glad you enjoyed it, Bruce.
As Fripp says, if you viddy the concert, you won't remember it.
I agree with Mr Fripp on this stance but I saw his wife Toyah in concert in Deal tonight and she took the opposite attitude and invited people at one stage of the concert to come up in front of her and dance and take their selfies or footage of her .
I’ve never seen that before at a concert and I’ve been to a lot of them
Btw. She was excellent tonight and well worth seeing
Not true I’ve filmed KC and I still remember the show perfectly
I full heartedly agree..your there for the music 🎶 🎵. It can be a distraction for a band member. Be respectful 🙏.
Yes, Michael!
Great interview. Thanks!
Glad you liked it
Fantastic video! Very good speaker, loved hearing his thoughts on this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great interview..Thank you, Make Weird Music!
Thanks, LT!
@@MakeWeirdMusic While there's a comment in your section that truly isn't funny, the thread it started includes some laughable material. That person really needed to validate to himself (&everyone else, it seems), how fans must inherently be entitled to taking photos of bands/musicians/performers @shows.. not just "disagreeing", but throwing insults @ many folks, in the process. The number of entitled persons out there is astonishing sometimes.
Yes. It’s quite humorous. It’s why I pin those comments to the top.
Lots of performers do not allow pictures or videos. Sometimes for distraction or safety reasons. Allowing photos and video for the last song is a reasonable compromise. Thanks for the great interview.
You’re welcome. Thanks for enjoying it.
How I fckng like Tony! Timeless person! Big professional of deed!
He is awesome, for sure
Great interview
Thank you Ron
Your a brilliant and entertaining musician.
I assume you're talking to Tony. :)
That was the best decision they did. No photos. No more smart phone zombies. I can finally enjoy the show.
Agreed. It's better this way. Thanks, Steve
There are bass players and then there is Tony Levin.
Agreed, Steve.
thank you . ( 2023 / May / 17 )
fantastic
Tony Levin! Lucky! :)
Never heard of 'im! lol
@@MakeWeirdMusic 😂
I can understand not wanting them to take pictures if you are the performer. it's kinda a haughty opinion, but he is right to have it if he likes.
as long as they let people know before they buy their tickets, not right before the show, then people can make their own decisions.
if it is not mentioned until right before the concert, I can also imagine people being not happy about it, and maybe justifiably so.
That makes sense to me, though I think their stance is now well known among KC fans. Thanks for watching!
@@MakeWeirdMusic probably true fans will know, but sometimes fans bring their friends who might not be hardcore fans.
I started going to concerts in the early 80's and even then it was printed on the tickets "no flash photography" or "no photography or recording devices" so it is not just Robert Fripp. I think it's fair game as long as you let people know up front.
Comedians will have you check your phones at some performances if they are working on material for a special so it is not leaked over the internet.
again, it's fair game, just let people know because not everyone is a super fan. personally, I have listened to KC for years, have never seen them live, would have had no idea. I also wouldn't use my camera during a concert, because as a former event photographer, you can photograph an event or you can fully enjoy an event, but almost impossible to do both if you want your pictures to not suck. If I am paying to see a band, symphony orchestra, chamber music, or stadium rock, not taking pictures. the internet is full of pictures and videos. If I am paying to see something live, I don't want to see it through a viewfinder!
again I don't think Robert Fripp's position is that strange or even unusual really. truly. as long as people have fair warning and can choose to not go if it is a big deal for them.
thanks for making the video. it was really interesting and thought provoking for me (obviously)
😅
First time I've heard Tony speak,he kind of sounds a little like Carl Sagan ,which is probably why this interview was so enjoyable to listen to
Yes, a very New Yawk tawker. Thanks for watching, Mark!
The music of King Crimson is complex, Intricate and so fantastic that you do not need to take any drugs to enhance the music experience since the music itself is a drug that takes you high.
Agreed!
This is a very heavy subject. I worked for Nikon for 20 years, a time that overlapped my greatest involvement in photography. This fascinating conversation has raised a number of issues in the areas of both the aesthetics and techniques of photography. But the discussion of these issues is simply not a fitting subject for a comment. To properly deal with what are essentially the philosophical aspects of artistic expression would require a monograph.
(I have never seen any of Tony's photographs and I wish that I had because I feel very much outside of the discussion.)
He has a ton of photos on his website. You can look there. Plus we are releasing teaser videos on his social media channels.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Trés cool! Thank you both!
I f****** HATE phones at concerts. All shows should ban phones.
I'm okay with dim screens and flashless photos, but that's it.
That's why I don't go to concerts any more.
The ticket prices are insanely high, no wonder why fans want to take the most out of a fleeting experience even if it means they might "taking away" the experience itself, or ruin other people's experience. Technology has given the fans a new tool to capture the experience that was only exclusive of journalists and photographers, whom, btw, never paid for their tickets, lol.
I would reproach the artists for deciding what's the best for the concert goer if it doesn't affect the artist directly nor distracts them. Robert has become wiser, and he learned to compromise, to find an agreement between the artist and those who pay to live the experience of watching them.
A win-win situation.
Do not worry, technology continues to evolve and we might use something less annoying than a cellphone to retain the memory for much longer.
It seems many people would not agree that it's a "win win" but I agree with you. Thanks for the comment.
Camel asked the audience not to film or take pictures on their later tours during songs. Why? Because people who wave their phones around restrict the view of those behind them who want to see the band.
I totally agree with this policy. There's nothing worse than trying to watch past someone's arm waving about.
Especially for those of us who are average height (or shorter!).
@@MakeWeirdMusic I'm not short by any means, but almost everyone is taller if you include their arm stretched upwards.
Awesome philosophical discussion about music and photography, and what it means to participate in both endeavors...in this case, simultaneously. I thought it was a compelling analogy to describe an improvisational experience as one of hunting communally, the band and the audience, for special moments and ideas. I'm sure that it's taxing, and maybe disappointing, at times, when inspiration is lacking for whatever reason, or things just aren't gelling together in the band, or perhaps something about the audience is off. Then, other times, it must be a real thrill when it all just works, and magic is happening. That has got to be one of the attractions that musicians have for pursing their art, those golden moments, as fleeting as they are. Each performer has to figure out how to keep those creative juices flowing, night after night? I suppose this challenge alone could explain why some artists turn to drugs, or other means of stimulation to keep the spark alive. It's probably a weird balance to strike: on the one hand, in a band that plays highly scripted music, whether simple pop or something really technical, there's no concern about what notes come next. But, that security could turn into drudgery over time. On the other hand, highly improvised music presents continuous opportunities to explore and create, but that's full of demands and uncertainties, and no guarantees that it'll go well. It seems to me that Tony's chosen a smart path, by cultivating several different band situations, each offering different opportunities in a wide range of genres. That way, it probably never gets old, and in each situation, the audiences more or less know what to expect. I heard a clip from Art Tatum talking about how people would want to hear him play Tea for Two the same way it was recorded on his album, which he could do, but that kind of belies his whole schtick as a master of jazz improvisation. I mean, the point is that he's using that tune as a framework on which to construct something new and exciting that maybe has never been heard. But, see, there's comfort and happiness in hearing something familiar, which may explain why some people will spend tens if not hundreds of dollars to hear a performance of music live, that they can listen to for free on UA-cam. Anyway, thanks for posting. It's certainly food for thought.
So glad you got so much out of this video! I was thinking about some of this yesterday, how I'd rather make music without solos because they become part of the music if we only listen to the recording. And then when the music is presented live, it can have a surprising potentially-negative effect on the music overall.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Ya. If you're talking about improvised solos, it depends on the context. You probably wouldn't want to try to improvise over Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. But, jazz music expects improvised solos.Maybe the right answer is to improvise if you're feeling hot one night, otherwise, stick to the composed arrangement. Or, mix it up so you have some tunes with improvisation, and others that are locked in. This isn't a great example, but Pete Townsend's pop song, "My Love Open the Door", has a very specific keyboard opening, and when that isn't played correctly with the right keyboard sound, or is missing from the performance entirely, the song really loses a lot of charm. Imagine "Baba O'Reilly" without that opening keyboard track. Conversely, Prince one time soloed over "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and it was epic; a real highlight. Probably the best option over the long haul is to have a flexible set list that can respond to the crowd, and the mood and inspiration of the musicians on any particular night.
I wish more bands would follow a clear no-photo policy..
If I want to take photos during a concert, I turn the brightness down on my phone screen. Then I quickly take 2 or 3 photos, and put the phone away..
I had one situation, where a venue had no "no photography permitted" signs.. I got ready, brightness down, phone up quickly. Next thing, a ticket tearer.. Not sure what they're actual job title is..
Was shining a bright torch at me, I didn't know what it was for, or if it was for me she wanted to get the attention of.. This distracted the band on the stage, much more than a 3-4 second photo..
And they did the same thing to someone else during the final applause, when they had finished.
If signs are up, great.
If not, it's kind of unfair at this point with camera phones being so ubiquitous..
Although I know KC were absolutely fine with photos during the applause and bow when they had finished.
It's a difficult and weird situation since we have these cameras in our pockets all the time. Some venues are very clear at the beginning of a show and others aren't at all.
Apparently, this will no longer be an issue!
Good point!
I saw the show in dayton. The audience was very disrespectful of the policy and the band in general, and having security walking around telling people to stop was very distracting. No one was thrown out, just warned to stop. The VIP box in front of me spent most of their time texting, then left in the middle of the show. I wanted to write to the band apologizing for the audience.
That's a tough situation, Walter.
As a photographer, I sometimes snag photo passes for shows. Those are usually limited to the first three songs by the bands, and then it's back to the crowd, but nobody really stops you from continuing to take photos. There is also a strict no flash policy from literally every band I've ever worked with. Luckily now with modern lighting, flash is never ever needed at a show. Can you imagine how annoying it is to be playing on stage and see nothing but stupid phone flashes going off?
Hey, nice to hear from someone who has a valid opinion! Haha. Thanks, Thomas.
@@MakeWeirdMusic It does feel nice to have a few snapshots from a show, though. It's just a nice keepsake. I agree with Tony about sometimes just seeing the light on a person and NEEDING to take a photo. Sometimes it's hard to enjoy a show and not want to make a photo of what we see.
For those of us with an eye and passion for visual art, I totally agree. Now that I film concerts and have a youtube channel, it's a big part of my thoughts during a show. Thanks for the comment, Thomas.
coolest grandpa ever.
Fricking brilliant to just put the squeeze bulb in his pedal array!
Totally agree! Innovator
I saw Crimson in NYC back in 2013 or 2014 (can’t remember exactly), my buddy, who is a MASSIVE KC fan tried taking a picture only to get reprimanded by security, I found it hysterical. While I think their policy is a little strict, I understand where they’re coming from completely because I cannot stand going to shows and having to watch the performance through the camera of the guy in front of me holding his arms up and blocking my view.
Fan of the music is not the same as fan of the concert policy. :)
True. But also that was 1980 logic. Just saw crimson and i saw a lot of pics and vids being shot all around me
People will take pictures no matter what. But fewer people will take fewer pictures of the artists discourage it.
@@MakeWeirdMusic true, true. They were on the downlow for sure. But point was back in the long long ago. Cameras were huge and had big flash bulbs. Certainly a distraction either way. But now way less obtrusive with phones
Also having just seen phish and dead and co. Way more people. Way more recording and pictures. I kinda just ignore it and enjoy the show. I also know those bands encourage recording and pics. I have a great quality althea and Harry hood 😅 held it against my chest and kept dancing... which is also frowned upon at a crimson show🤣
I got a lot of non flash pictures of the Starless Bible Black tour pictures from front row center. Good quality.
Why are you proud of this?
@@MakeWeirdMusic because he was and will be a loyal fan , and he waited for years to see them live , having ZERO access to professional video recordings .. and he bought physical copies , and after all that he paid an expensive ticket for that show. and because life is short, and you will see K.Crimson just 1 time in your lifetime, if you are lucky ...
I get what you're saying, but a "loyal fan" does not disrespect the artist's wishes.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Bullshit, all you have to do to be a “loyal fan” is enjoy the tunes. You don’t have to respect what the artist says to be considered a true fan. The music that makes you feel is what matters the most.
What you are saying is if Pink Floyd was my favorite band, I bought every Pink Floyd album, listened to them daily, buy merch, I’m not considered a true “loyal fan” because I listen to bootlegs that Roger Waters didn’t want recorded or released of live shows that he won’t release himself ever?
There are many people who don't like having their pictures taken. They don't appreciate them at the moment, but as the years go by, it's nice to look back and remember. The pictures show the band at their best.
and most of the public do not realize that a flash is useless beyond 30 feet. so, if your'e in the 5th row, having a flash will do you no good at all.
That is such a pet peeve. Or when they don't even realize their flash is on.
TLev is the man!
Thanks for watching, Rich.
Many acts have anti-picture/video policies.
It is their right to set limits.
If I was a professional musician, no recorders, phones, or cameras would be allowed in the venue,
and if found they would be confiscated and not returned.
You pay to get in and see / hear one performance, one time, with no other priviliges.
If that doesn't agree with your point of view, don't buy a ticket and/or come to my show.
Agreed
Pictures is one of the reason why I dont love Fripp anymore and I immensely love Adrian Belew.. This weird people (I'd call him much worst but I dont want to be deleted) quit a show, in Rome, in 2001 for a dozen (or maybe a couple) of idiots taking photos.. By doing that, he completely erase the other 1000 people who were enjoying the show (Adrian in particular was amazing as always) and give us one giant delusion, expecially for a small country who is not always touched by tour.. Luckily, the other guy, the smiling one, came back to the stage alone with his acoustic and, after expressing his sorrow for Robert not being in good mood, performed 3 of a perfect pair..
Understandable, Luca.
Photos are just ONE aspect of Robert Fripp's hermetic personality. He would be a much wealthier and respected human today if he had some sense of perspective on fame, publicity and fandom. He's a legendary blocker and denier or usage rights and has become the "get off my lawn" old man of prog rock. He is destined to be lost to future generations because no one can play his music.
I guess that would matter if wealth and the respect of others were priorities in your life.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Have you seen his channel with his wife Toya?
OMG, Let's get this comment to RF ASAP so he can turn his life around and make it worth something!!
I hate it when people pull out their cellphone to film/pics. It is a distraction to the concert itself, the musicians, and the people who want to absorb the show without distrations.
Take pics before or after the show, buy the video of the concert that is professionally done anyway, and buy the swag out front,
I agree. It's so irritating.
I spent forty-five years on stage without a picture. I didn't make much of a splash. Gosh, a lifetime spent in worthless whirly whirlies. Crumbs.
What did you do on stage for forty-five years, Janet?
The impression of the concert is spoiled not so much by the recording process itself as by watching this recording in the future.
Haha 😂 good one
Here’s a question to Tony Levin- It seems to me that King Crimson bass is and was the anchor and the groove. That’s you. KC have many musical genius ALL playing together. What are some of your thoughts about keeping the groove yet always distinct?
We will probably have a livestream interview at some point in the future. That'd be a good time to ask.
Tony's in the show, to me, that give him a pass!
Also, I don't care if it's allowed or not, turn off the flash or get your fingers broken!!
At least he understands where the audience is coming from and sees the perceived hypocrisy.
Just let Levin take all the photos and download. Saves the audience of taking crappy photos anyways.
That's a really cool business idea!
Phone footage is the new drug, and the phone has its own unique experience. They should just all come with dark more shut screen and autofocus, just point the camera and watch the show with your eyes, not in the phone. Let the camera capture it without any screen on, watch it later, it is mostly bad anyway. But hilarious. Shaky photo. Fans singing along with their own version of the lyrics. Unique angles, side plots of what is happening in the audience. Surprise amazing captures of stage show and great audio. A total goldmine for fans who did not attend that show. You KNOW what you missed was a million times better had you been there, but for those who cannot see the band they want because they live somewhere where tours never reach, EVERYTHING is a goldmine.
Live performances, even on crappy video, is GOLD, because it gives that specialness that is not always captured on perfected released recordings.
I LOVE live music, and I KNOW being there beats everything, but if you cant be there, even crap video of it IS GOLD.... 😀
It is definitely a drug. Good comment, though crap video isn't GOLD even for shows I wish I could have attended. Like old 8mm footage of Jethro Tull. All I missed was brown blurs!
Also fripp rules over crimson land with an iron claw. I Dont blame him really. music business is ruthless and executives will take anything they can
Zappa was the same. Sun ra was the same.
Yup. True 👍... ever seen zappa vault. 😯 it's full of goodies. But I don't blame them. It's how they make money. And with tech these days you can get quality recordings of live shows pretty easy
Billy and Charly, there's a hard truth behind what you're discussing. Thanks for not being negative about it.
I saw Crimson a couple months ago in Denver. I found it refreshing to be at a concert where every other person is holding up their phones.
I am not a professional photographer, but I take over 10,000 pictures a year, and every single picture I take, I adjust for lighting, color, environmental conditions. Every picture is art to me, and/or an attempt at art. The only reason people in the crowd are taking bad pictures or in an amateur way is because of lack of knowledge. How are they suppose to get the knowledge of how to shoot at a low light concert with lighting effects without doing it first and making mistakes along the way?
It turns out that at almost all concerts, you are not allowed to bring in professional equipment for photography unless you are in the pit working for the press, which is literally working for the band. The real reason for the negative blowback against photography from the crowd is not distraction, but exclusivity rights to photographic content. If everyone at the concert has high grade footage of the show, how can the band, and the media sell the same images, when they are available for free?
The lighting in the show is always more distracting than any camera work done by the fans. At points in many shows it is pitch black, followed by bright white lightning type flashes, which make it impossible to visually play an instrument. Almost all professionals rely on their sense of touch and memorization to play the correct notes, not on visual recognition of position. Visual recognition of position on fretboard and keyboard is only needed during key changes that are not well memorized, or for newer songs.
The rarer the photo, the more valuable it is bottom line. The professionals in the pit make a living promoting the band. No band, no living, so they don't want any competition either. Think the media doesn't lobby venues for restrictions on photographic rights?
It's hypocritical to tell amateurs they can't shoot photos while letting professionals who use to be amateurs do the same thing.
There are a few notable exceptions like you. For every Christopher Myers is 100 people with idle hands and a cell phone.
Tony agreed that it's hypocritical, which is why they changed the policy. Did you hear him talk about that?
@@MakeWeirdMusic No I didn't hear him talk about that, I am sorry and glad that he changed his mind about their policy.
Monopoly power bothers me, whenever anyone says it is alright for me to do it, but not you it immediately brings up the concept of hypocrisy. Especially when you are considering the dark arts such as music, photography, and moving pictures. All using imagery to push a certain agenda, while maintaining the idea that no agenda is being pushed.
Fripp always has been a weird cat !!!
But he can let his wife do all those wacky strange videos on their site that's fine Lol
Oh yeah and ending the Best Prog Crimson of the 70s Bruford/Wetton/Cross because he couldn't handle them finally getting Big success and quit on them !!!!!!
Exactly
I dunno. People change. He was younger and we don't know the full story. Nevertheless, Fripp has always been weird. Yes.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Yeah maybe, I have the two great books on Crimson expert Sid Smith he talks about it. Bruford and Wetton were totally caught off guard by it, Wetton was especially bothered by it in the day. And I'm sure all of us as fans !! Lol
Perfectly reasonable for people to want to capture the moment and take photos or video. However, if the band have gone to increasingly great lengths to ask you to not do it, expecting to still be able to do it just makes you a dick.
Musician's souls don't become the property of someone because they bought an album in 1974 and listened to it a lot. If Fripp's is unreasonably difficult, the position of a certain type of fan is utter narcissistic madness.
Agreed. People don't (typically) take photos during operas or broadway shows, either.
You want some Fripp? Well then, you play by his rules. I challenge you to tell me he hasn't earned that.
Agreed. Same courtesy to any great artist.
In the last 10 years or so - personal photography has become overwhelmingly invasive. With nearly every member of an audience having a small, hand-held device capable of producing HQ stills & video - and half (or more ) of those in the crowd holding up the devices during the performance.
And ironically it was Peter Gabriel who decades ago advocated for everyone having personal video capability - his intent was to be able to capture and publicize incidents of crimes and injustice - mostly perpetrated by police and other authorities etc. against civilian populations in various nations.
What a shame that the capability is mostly wasted by all those people annoying performers and eating up half the world's bandwidth with cute cat videos.
I had to take video at a Crimson show. I simply put my hand over the screen. Later I found out that video taking was banned. Maynard of Tool loves flexing that power for shows as well.
Why did you have to take a video?
There's something I don't understand, if you pay to see one of the best groups in history it's because you like it, and if one of the musicians tells you not to take photos, then what's the problem? people are so dumb that they can't follow ONE simple instruction? It seems that they are taking away their human rights or something like that 🙄
The problem is between the ears! haha Thanks, Toshino
Ya it was weird that there is a no photo thing at the concert. I think that in this decade it’s not a thing that somehow you can tell people that pay money to see a band that crappy cell phone photos are not allowed. In the past people would sell photos and that was why we couldn’t take photos. Now that everyone can take photos that’s not a thing. I was paid to to take photos for rolling stone in the eighties to take pics of bands at clubs and we were only allowed to during the first few songs. That was the deal. When you go to a stadium tour nobody is policing the cell phone photos during a Genesis or Peter Gabriel concert. It just seems futile and pointless that Fripp wants to stop photos. There are no flash photos coming from cell phones. His weird boudoir videos are far more disturbing than anything that could be disruptive during a concert lol. Anyway, been going to his league of crafty guitarists and king crimson shows my whole life. University tours where he speaks too. It’s fascinating really and I appreciate all of it. The photo thing is just weird.
Artists aren’t typical people. Never know what you’re gonna get.
Good. Photo's are cheap and annoying. Especially cell phone ones.
Agreed. Especially with a thousand people taking them all night
These comments, woof. XD Because God forbid the audience respect the wishes of the artists for a damn minute and have an actual musical experience in the momen without looking at their phone.
It's so ridiculous, right?
Tony can walk and chew gum, Fripp can't !!! Lol : D
Hah, good one, Ronnie.
He doesn’t seem to have problem with posting weekly videos showing his wife’s enhancements.
You think he posts to his wife's UA-cam account?
Ryan Adams doesn't want flash bulbs going off near the stage because it can trigger his Meniere's.
Whatever the reason, we shouldn't disrespect the artist's wishes. What do you think, Rik?
Pointless interview question. There’s a world of difference between an actual band member making an artistic record of an event they are part of, and fans trying to pop snapshots (or film video to make illegal bootlegs).
You're right. It's so stupid.
Excuse me? When people take pics from the audience they're not considering the light or trying to capture something...I'm guessing you're thinking "artisitic"? Ahem...BS. Oh, I get that a lot are just taking snapshots, and don't realize the futility of using flash for those shots...but I assure you, that is not always the case.
Okay.
I saw these guys at the Roxy on Sunset for the Discipline tour. A guy up front (the stage is low and close) lifted his camera to take a pic, and Fripp reached out and snatched the camera from the guy's hand. Turned me off to Fripp forever.
Yikes.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Yeah. Adrian Belew was awesome, though!
Interesting! The 20th anniversary of that show was Tuesday! Do you happen to remember what number it happened during?
@@BeforeAndAfterScience It was as they were walking out on stage before the first tune. Robert had to walk from one side to his side; he stopped along the way to snatch the camera. I think it was a disposable one.
@@BeforeAndAfterScience Also, way more than 20 years ago. 1980s.
King Crimson used to be an enjoyable band to watch live. Not anymore.
You must have seen the wrong band! People shit their pants at all their concerts. Go experience their latest iteration. You'll see what I mean.
I get what you're saying. This iteration is like a concert orchestra. They play to a click track, they don't improvise, and nobody moves around the stage.
far too self-reverential - music is a flux not a structure, it needs an audience to exist- a busker would not dare ask their audience to refrain from photos- let us take from the moment what we choose, it is all we have 'till we close our eyes
I disagree, but that’s okay Laszlo
Why have three drummers I can understand a drummer and a percussionist but three drummers really?
Who cares?
I'm a more recent fan, so I can't compare the three to the individual skill of Bruford, but the transformative effect the three had on a lot of the tracks at the concert I went to late this summer was really interesting. That, and Jeremy Stacy keeps a keyboard next to his drums, so any tracks that don't need all 3 can transition to having 2 drummers and a keyboard.
I think the three drummers thing is cool.
The first time I saw a video of the three drummers, I really thought "wow, that's overkill". But since then I have acquired the DVD of that entire concert. They all have kit drums, but you might say that they have their specialties too. One is sort of the main drummer, one specializes in percussion and sound effects, and the third plays keyboards (especially the all-important Mellotron sounds.)
Watch the show or some of the videos of their recent performances and you'll understand. Seeing them live is quite an experience.